BACK TO NATURE . . .

Posted on March 19, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A blue-grey sky, rolls swiftly by, the clouds entwine with glory,

The road is paved with gilded stones, that tell an endless story,

A husky mule, a rugged man, set out to see what nature brings,

They take the path less travelled and fall on angels’ wings,

The beauty of the landscape, enriches this sweet scene,

As light reflects on every rock, new life will reconvene,

An eagle watches from afar – takes in your every move,

While you may falter, He is there to guide you and reprove,

When days grow long and life wears on, we search for simple things,

So take a road less traveled and fly on angels’ wings.

The ability to observe is inherent in all of us unless our eyes have been blinded from birth, but even then, God gives us four other senses to allow us to breathe in everything in our existence.  We may not be able to see the brilliant colors, the majestic mass of a tree, the vastness of the heavens or the beauty of a sea or landscape, but He blesses us with other ways to “see”.

Every artist, whether a writer, painter, sculptor, actor, musician or dancer must observe everything in life in order to portray it in a believable, convincing way.  Studying every idiosyncrasy, examining each detail, with all the senses God has given us, allows our interpretation to be expressed in unique and wonderful ways.

Praise the Lord for the special attention He has paid to every detail of this life.  He calms the storms, He makes things grow and develop, He provides for every living thing, He gives life, He provides for eternity.  With Him, our salvation has been assured and life everlasting waits for those who believe in Him.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Nature, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

SHED YOUR LIGHT ON ME . . .

Posted on March 18, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

A babe so soft, a child so sweet, lay on a bed of hay,

His mom looked at the dimpled hands and counted fingers at play.

His hands would grow with bruises and scuffs as children often do.

He used them to craft with wood and nails and callouses He knew.

The hands would search the scriptures, though He wrote every phrase,

His hands would do miraculous deeds – like heal and calm and raise.

He touched the hearts of many, He healed their broken souls, He held them close and tight.

The soldiers rammed iron nails into His willing flesh. Each nerve burned for our plight.

He died upon that wooden cross, He suffered, and He bled,

The grave would never hold Him. He conquered death instead.

When once again we see Him in glory and in might,

He’ll take our hands and hold them. For He has won our fight.

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

MONDAYS ARE FOR LAUNDRY . . .

Posted on March 17, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Paul enjoyed life to the fullest. He had a great sense of humor and could embellish a story into a grand epic in no time. He had the ability to stretch an event to the point of unbelief, but truthfully, there wasn’t much to add to his everyday adventures. He’d be the first to admit that his life was full to the brim with funny stories, stories about near death experiences, stories about miracles in his life and hunting and fishing stories that would put any hunter or fisherman to shame.

Every now and then he experimented with something new in his art. The above acrylic painting is somewhat reminiscent of the late 19th century, when women would congregate to do their laundry on Monday morning.

Paul was not adept at painting human beings. He could make three dimensional figures, such as my collection of hand carved Santas or a mermaid for a local restaurant, but most of his attempts at painting people resulted in images that looked a lot like him. These three women all look as though they’re related. In fact, they resemble Paul’s mother to be precise. I don’t know if he intended that, but every time I look at it, I see a reflection of my mother in law and it makes me smile.

The details of the old time hand cranked wringer, the enormous wooden barrel, the rippled scrub board, the water sprinkler bottle used to dampen clothes for ironing, and even a flat iron which would be heated on top of a pot bellied stove, all conjure memories of another time and place.

This wasn’t his usual forte’, but it showed the funny side of Paul Boecher, of which there was an abundance.

“A day without laughter, is a day wasted.” Charlie Chaplin

Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments

WINTER’S GRIP . . . .

Posted on March 16, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Trying to find the beauty in an endless winter is like looking at your reflection in a mirror and hoping to recapture your youth. It seems that new life will never surface again. Everything is cold and dead. The green existence of spring seems eternally wrapped in a blanket of white. Somehow, we hang on to the hope of a new day when the sun moves closer and embraces those withered limbs and forces life to bud forth again. Spring – will we ever see you again?

Each day the sun rises a little earlier. As I look ahead, I see new growth, promises fulfilled and hope. Thank you, Jesus, for another day.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God's plans, hope | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

LIKE SHIPS PASSING . . .

Posted on March 15, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Spring seems so near yet so far. The ice has melted, the temps are rising, but still the shadow of winter hovers like a menacing cloud over the harbor. Soon buds will appear on the trees, birds will chirp their lovely tunes and flowers will return. New life. Fresh start. Time for a do over. Still, the memories linger, and we can’t help but long for the past. The way it was. The road trips. The love we shared. The recollection of days gone by will carry on.

A quiet, hazy morning – the wind not yet ready to hit the sails,

An ominous sky of pink tinged clouds hanging low over the still water,

Some of the boats stand anchored in the harbor while others push off to find adventure.

Where will the wind take them when once it opens billowy canvases of white?

Steam rises from heat filled waters – not a whisper of wind,

The waiting can be forever, but when the first gust fills the sails the power of God is made known.

Off to the highway of the sea.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, grief, seasons | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

ANOTHER WEEK WITHOUT YOU . . .

Posted on March 14, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The week is almost over. Almost two and a half months have passed since my husband passed. I’ve been keeping a daily journal and including some of the beautiful art that Paul has created over the years. It has helped me fill the time with positive thoughts and beautiful images. I’ve also been babysitting for my new little great grandson while his mom returns to school and commutes every day so that she can live at home with her baby and work on top of all that. My first grandson has been living with me since the last week in February. He has his own space in my house where he can be alone and work and make sure that I’m safe. This year so far has been a real demonstration of how God puts things in place for our benefit and to complete the work He has begun in our lives. We’ve known for a very long time that Paul would soon be in heaven and now he is, so our grief continues, but most of that grieving happened before he left.

The painting I’ve chosen today was painted from Paul’s photographic memory and the combined locations that he loved so much. I learned so much from him over our time together. Most of it had to do with my own journey with Jesus. Growing up in a conservative Lutheran church, attending the church school and high school and hearing much of the law preached with little discussion about grace, I went through the early years of my marriage thinking that I would never go to heaven. My mind told me that I didn’t deserve God’s grace and mercy. With the nurturing of my loving husband, I soon learned that God did love me, more than I possibly could imagine. He also raised in a conservative church, but the focus was on the Gospel and God’s unconditional love for all people.

Sharing 60 years of marriage we came closer because of this knowledge Paul gave me. He truly was a wonderful example to follow. He shared his love for Jesus with everyone he met. I miss the time we would spend having devotions together, praying together, holding hands in church and squeezing them tighter each time the Gospel message was preached. I miss his understanding, his hugs, his patience and especially his love. I know this isn’t the end. Our earthly journey is just temporary. I look forward to the day we will be reunited in the heavenly realms with our Jesus, who loves us more than His own life.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Encouragement, grief, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 14 Comments

THE GREATEST GIFT . . .

Posted on March 13, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

As we walk through the season of Lent, I can’t help but think of the greatest gift that God has given us. There is no way to repay him except to follow Him. Jesus is that gift and He has bestowed us with eternal life in paradise. Our gratitude should be shown through our walk here on earth.

I had no gift to offer on the day of His birth. My voice had no great songs to sing.

What could I bring that had any worth? What words could I possibly bring?

He gave up His life, He suffered and died; His hands and feet nailed to a tree.

When the sword pierced a gash in His most precious side, I know that He bled there for me.

He died – my redeemer, but He chose to do so. The grave could not hold to this man.

He overcame death, forgave all my sins and it all was a part of His plan.

For all that He’s done I can never repay. His love is so far beyond me.

And so I come to Him and most humbly pray that His servant I always will be.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, grief, Uncategorized, wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A FIRM FOUNDATION . . .

Posted on March 12, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

Paul was always fascinated by different types of architecture – from the old brick edifices that were built in the 1800s, to Frank Llyod Wright, to an old broken-down barn, to a cabin in the woods. He was commissioned to create some interior pieces for buildings which included intricately designed corbels a design pieces that would enhance the beauty of a room. When he wasn’t carving pieces to go on the inside, he was outside painting beautiful images of the outside. The interesting thing about these older building is that they not only withstood the test of time, but they remained pretty much intact. When our faith is founded on the firm and truthful Word of God, it will not fail.

ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A solid base with bones still strong.  A place where love and peace belong,

gA fortress from the outside world.  A buttress where time still forgives,

The inner walls are cracked and dry.   Like aging skin they’re doomed to die,

The roof is in some disrepair.  The windows need some loving care,

In time those things will pass away, but firmly planted it will stay,

If love resumes with owners new, they can make their dreams come true,

A house is just a place you see, but when God’s in it, you’re set free,

To do the things that must be done, to make it shine and add some fun,

With God a house becomes a home,  He builds His love within each room,

If He’s the rock on which we build, our hearts with great joy are filled,

So turn to Him, the firm foundation, to give you hope and restoration..

 

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Faith, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

WHAT LIES BENEATH . . .

Posted on March 11, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Picture yourself sitting on the banks of the Mississippi River. Small shards of ice have broken and shift with the wind, changing with the water’s current. The sky above is blue and filled with a yellow glow. The trees surrounding you have been there for centuries. I wonder what they would say if they could talk. How many people have they witnessed going down that big muddy river? How many homes were disrupted or destroyed as indigenous tribes escaped the new arrivals? Canoes, kayaks, row boats, steamboats, house boats, rafts, inner-tubes and paddle boats have all passed by during those many years. yet so many of those stately trees have stood as sentries guarding the shoreline.

This painting was done on location on a day just like that. Sounds of songbirds filled the branches. The gnarly image stood firm. Vines had made their way around each one of those limbs, entwining, weaving and almost choking the roots below. It’s not much to look at anymore, but the beauty remains. Life goes on, even in the darkest hours. We don’t know what lies ahead. Our future is stagnant in our own eyes. We dream of and wish for more than we have and yet we have more than we know.

Death will come as we all know. It’s inevitable. If our roots are firmly planted in God’s Word of truth and love, there is nothing to fear. Even when it seems there is no hope, God is right beside us, walking with us. Leading, guiding, directing and protecting. The trees will die too. Life is temporary, but eternal life will last forever.

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

COMMUNITY . . .

Posted on March 10, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER When I think about community, I tend to stick close to home. Venturing out in the world and the …

COMMUNITY . . .
Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

COMMUNITY . . .

Posted on March 10, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

When I think about community, I tend to stick close to home. Venturing out in the world and the uncertainty of it all can be frightening. It requires a certain amount of courage to reach out beyond our circle of friends. Even before Covid and its isolation, we had become somewhat a nation of hermits, watching the world through computer screens and social media. The electronic age has been a boon to mankind because we live in a world of instant everything. Unfortunately, that fact has done a number on our social tendencies. Meeting face to face – conversation – communication skills – mentoring – and hands on working together have all taken a hit with this new form of friendship and community.

The painting for today shows a group of people gathering together. The people are dressed to the nines. They have a mission of coming together to talk, share ideas, perhaps eat or worship together. I think the point is, we are losing one of our most important tools as human beings. It is not good for man to be alone. God realized the need for mankind to have others to share with, to live with, to talk with, to communicate ideas and solutions for day to day issues. There’s a lot to be said for friendship and companionship.

Dear Lord, you created us with the ability to encourage one another. We have by your hand received the gifts of empathy, compassion and communication. Let us never forget that you are always available to hear our prayers, but we have an obligation to stay in touch with those we come into contact with each day. Give us the wisdom to share your love with others. Amen!

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

GONE FISHIN’

Posted on March 9, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

(Examples of Paul’s free standing and relief carving of fish.)


“Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don’t tell them where they know the fish.”  Mark Twain

His dad was the first to teach Paul how to fish. It was a wonderful bonding experience for them in the rather mundane life they shared in the city – in the hustle and bustle – within the funeral business 24/7. The retreat of the lake led to beautiful moments just sitting in a boat waiting. His dad told him to keep his bait warm, by placing it in his mouth – advice he never actually did, but I’m sure it got him thinking for a second or two.

Sitting on a clear, glasslike surface, with only the sound of frogs croaking and crickets making noise, they would spend hours, sitting quietly, waiting and waiting for that one big one that everyone else talks about. As with most things Paul ever did as a boy, he studied up on it fervently. He wanted to know everything about it. He learned which bait worked the best, how to cast with a fly rod, how to fish with a cane pole. Most of all he learned to listen – not only to the sounds outside the boat, but the words from his dad from inside. His dad was a rather quiet man, with a somber side, but he also had a great sense of humor and shared that with his son. Together they spent much quality time on the lake.

He’d often venture out on his own, when dad couldn’t be there with him. During those times, his catches often consisted of seaweed, an old boot, another fishing lure, a snake and even a fish within a fish. He had a fish on his line that looked pretty good, but not only to Paul, but another larger fish was interested in having him for dinner too. As the small fish neared the boat, the larger fish swallowed up the smaller one. Paul was sure he’d lost it for good, but to his surprise, both fish made it into his fishing net.

There was another incident when he started to reel one in. As he pulled it from the water, there was nothing but a thin pink, snake like thing, which seemed to grow and stretch as it came closer. It turned out to be the tongue of a giant bull frog. Imagine the length and elasticity of that thing. When Paul let him go, I have visions of a fat bullfrog with his tongue dragging behind him.

Paul did a lot of fishing in his lifetime, but it was his goal to do as His Savior commanded to His disciples, “Be fishers of men.” He never wasted an opportunity to share his love for Jesus and encourage others to join in that joy. He set a wonderful example while he lived and I’m sure Jesus is calling him a good and faithful servant.

Posted in art & inspiration from the Boechers, falth, God, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

A LOVE NOTE . . .

Posted on March 8, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

Today I am foregoing the artwork and focusing on the artist. On December 7, 2011 Paul made an entry in one of his sketchbooks. You can see by reading the words how much he loved his Creator. He considered himself the clay and God was the potter. As told in scripture, what a lovely comparison for all of us. I love this man today and always will.

Posted in God, grief, memories | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

TRUSTING GOD FOR DIRECTION . . .

Posted on March 7, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Our lives are like a thin, frayed thread,

Our thoughts are filled with fear and dread,

The tines of life like wildfire spread,

We even wish that we were dead,

Yet God would not release His hold,

He held us tightly in the fold,

To teach us to be strong and bold,

He never let His love grow cold,

His roots run deep, His hold is strong,

He keeps us where we now belong,

He turns us right when we do wrong,

His Word is like a lovely song,

He pulls us out of danger’s way,

He gives us light in each dark day,

He leads us back when we would stray,

He even teaches us to pray,

He’ll never let us go.

In the early 1990s, Paul’s advertising company “Advertising Brainstorms,” had to close its doors due a failing economy. The business that started in the basement of an old mansion in downtown Minneapolis, moved up to the third floor and eventually to a new building in Robbinsdale, MN. Things ran smoothly for a long time, employing ten and creating ads for General Mills, Federal Cartridge, Land O Lakes and many more. Paul had just turned 50, we’d celebrated our 25th and were about to become empty nesters. The difficult decision to end the story and try and go on was ahead of us. We lost just about everything and came to a point where we weren’t sure what the future would hold for us. I’ve shared this story many times, and each time I learn something new from it. We all go through trials in this life. Some are caused by the loss of something or someone. We can try to muddle through those tests and hopefully come through with flying colors or we can give up and continue to suffer. The hardest thing when going through those times is our willingness to surrender to God’s will. We think we’re capable of figuring things out alone, but that often leads to more suffering. As years fly by and I reach the end of my life, I am finally realizing that God has everything all planned out for us. He gave us the intelligence and wisdom to proceed, but He is the One in charge of everything.

Paul started working in wood at that time. He would scrounge building construction sites and pick up scraps of timber which were tossed aside and made them into things of beauty. He always enjoyed sitting at a campfire and whittling on a stick, but his vision was bigger than that. With God’s constant care and direction, Paul found a new passion, which was able to create an adequate income for us. His wood sculpting was unique – not machine cut out – but actual pieces of art. His was a unique success story, because he knew who couldn’t do it by Himself. He needed divine intervention. While all this was going on, I had found a niche’ teaching drama and earning enough to help with the budget. I also took up my pen and began pursuing my real love – writing.

Today I’m including a gallery of some of Paul’s sculptures.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God's plans, trust, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

STORY POLES – TOTEMS – OR IDOLS?

Posted on March 6, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Many folks have special sculptures that enhance the garden space.

They choose cherubs small and angels tall to decorate the place,

In my backyard it’s not that way.  Art adorns with sculpted wood,

The treasures that are planted there, make our yard look extra good.

My husband, Paul, the artist, is not limited to doing paintings.  He is also a master sculptor.  When he was in art school he studied art history and particularly the art of America’s Northwest Coast Indians.  The familiar story pole is filled with images of animals, fish, birds and other creatures of nature. It is intended to tell a story about the tribe, rather than as an idol to worship.  This was their expression of life through art.  I love this art form, not only for its background, but intricate beauty and choice of colors. The pieces shown in this photograph are from a home in the Brainard Lakes region of Minnesota. Paul was commissioned to create these totems. His use of nature subjects, coIor and features that are truly native American are beautifully hand crafted.

We actually do have a totem outside of our house, but I do have a little trouble explaining its existence in my yard however – especially to my church friends.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

WHEN SLEEP WON’T COME . . .

Posted on March 5, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ORIGINAL WOOD SCULPTURE BY PAUL T. BOECHER©

The wood sculptures Paul created during his lifetime are filled with a bit of whimsy, a hint of Northwest Coast Native American influence and fanciful colors. He studied this art form at the Art Institute of Chicago in the early 1960s. Many of the commission pieces he created showed his sense of beauty, nature and humor. That kind of sums up what kind of person he was. This piece, called, “The Sleepy Owl,” was a birthday gift to me. It remains one of my favorites.

There are moments when we have difficulty keeping our eyes open – when sleep beckons, and rest is the only sustenance that satisfies.  When we relinquish our cares to the arms of our Savior, Jesus, we receive the eternal peace that can only come from Him.  Lay your burdens on His shoulders. He carried them all the way to Calvary and took our guilt away.

Posted in art & inspiration from the Boechers, Encouragement, rest | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

WALK WITH HIM . . .

Posted on March 4, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

This relief carving by Paul is located at a church in Bay Pines, Florida. The Good Shepherd, tending his sheep is a reminder of our loving Jesus who left His heavenly home to live among the wayward sheep of this world. Paul’s love for his Savior is evident in the detail. Jesus love for us is immeasurable.

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

My life is filled with twists and turns, with bumps along the path.
A crooked road that’s filled with holes – reminders of God’s wrath.
The way becomes corrupted with thorns and tangled webs.
My feet are often stifled, my hope and spirit ebbs.

It seems as though I’ll never reach the end of that dark road.
I know my back is burdened down, with a very heavy load,
But there beyond my mind’s dark fears, lies light to lead the way.
My Lord and Savior, Jesus, Christ, is reaching out to say,

“Come follow me, my little lamb. I’ll lead you to your rest.
I’ll never let you fall again, no longer will I test,
Your journey has been difficult, but you’ve not been alone,
Come follow me, my servant, and let me take you home.”

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, Good shepherd, Jesus, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

A CHANGE OF PACE . . .

Posted on March 3, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This week I’m going to share some of the hand sculpted pieces that Paul has done over the years. Some of his younger art students often called him “Mr. Knuckles,” because his hands were weathered and his knuckles stretched to the limit from working in wood, stone or clay. Of course, he always started with a sketch, The piece would then morph into a clay model and eventually the basic shape would be formed with a saw. All the details appeared as he carved away with a set of varied sizes of chisels. Most of his sculptures were commission pieces, but some are still in his collection or in the homes, businesses or lake homes.

Paul indeed was a Renaissance man. His mind was filled with amazing images which he transformed into beautiful pieces of art. I miss him every day, but a familiar sight was often of him sitting outside, hammering and chiseling away with great zeal and passion. As with everything in his life, he approached whatever he did with a desire to please, a love of God’s creation, a talent he was so willing to share and at the center of each day was the relationship he had with God and those he touched with his art.

Posted in art & inspiration from the Boechers, grief, love | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

SERENITY SUNDAY . . .

Posted on March 2, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This watercolor seems to melt the rocks right into the water below. Peace and serenity are like that too. The anxiety and depression which surrounds us on a daily basis can only be calmed by the hand of God. We see Him in nature. We hear his voice in the wind. We see His glory all around as our troubles dissipate into nothingness. He is our rock and salvation. A very present help in those difficult times.

Hidden in the darkness, as shadows slowly fall,

Far away from others, enjoying nature’s call,

Their one essential goal, to find a peace sublime,

Far from the maddening crowd, alone to spend some time,

We all have days like that, when fears can overtake,

When predators and foes know what steps they will take,

To overcome our vision, to satisfy their needs,

They go to any length, insuring our heart bleeds,

They hunt us and attack, they claw and tear our flesh,

Holding in their talons the core of what is fresh,

But still, we will press forward, in search of an escape,

A place to hide, a refuge strong, within the wide landscape,

Our enemies surround, yet we are not alone,

The King of grace stands by, to take us safely home,

We must trust in Jesus and His abundant love,

He’s come to pay the price, from heaven’s home above,

A friend He’ll always be, protection in His wings,

Our hearts are filled with joy, as words of peace He sings.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God, peace | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION . . .

Posted on March 1, 2025 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The art of Paul Boecher often included beautiful landscapes, water and boats, rocks and mountains and waterfalls. For the most part, when painting with his plein air friends, they would choose a popular location at which to set their easels and lay some paint. This particular one was done at Fort Snelling in St. Paul, MN. The fort was built in 1805 and has been restored over the years to become a historical place to visit in Minnesota. Seth Eastman was one of the early artists who studied the native Dakota people who were the first settlers in the area. He painted many scenes including them. The location was ideal for a military fort because it’s a place where two rivers come together. Paul was able to combine his love for history, with the early 1800s, the bluffs that surround the river and the buildings with so much character.

When human lives invade the land, it’s bound to take its toll,

Like sin corrupts and sucks out life, investing in our soul,

These precious remnants of our land must not be overrun,

By those who care so little for what God has once begun.

The hand of God is evident, His finger formed the seas,

The mountain ranges still stand tall, the forests full of trees,

The waters raging over rocks, the splendid waterfalls,

The valleys green, the tepid springs, outshine man’s greedy calls.

Will all these places die some day, destroyed by man’s own hand,

Will animals that once flourished soon vanish from the land.

These places are not permanent, in time they too will fall,

But our God’s love never changes, He’s with us through it all.

Though our sin will still run rampant, infecting all our land,

Our God remains in charge of things, the world’s at His command,

But in the meantime may we try to keep our secure

So they will fill the hearts of those who follow and endure.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, history, memories | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments